the use of force. they are hopeful a peaceful resolution will be reached in syria. at the united nations, randall pinkston. >> there are reports that several other officials, including a former sin yankees defense minister were killed in the blast. syria has named a new defense minister who vows to cut off the hand of anyone threatening his nation. >>> the push to round out up support for a special assembly session on gambling is heating up. mary bubala is live with more on this. >> reporter: the governor and house speaker are scheduled to meet with the city's house delegation today. they are trying to reach a consensus so the governor can call a special session on expanded gambling. they will talk about a new casino site. governor o'malley says he has a week to ten days to call a special session. >> that proposed any casino is estimated to cost $800 million to build. >>> today the red cross is asking for your help. many people are in need of food, shelter and clothes. last month's storm and the temper